The Good: I hate to say this tape is better than his last album but it definitely is! Who doesn't love flows about fly women and the champagne lifestyle coming from an indie rapper from Pittsburgh? The production is dope (as usual).  Killa Kyleon does his best Rick Ross impersonation on "Spotlight" but it's hot nonetheless.

The Bad: If you aren't a smoker or into laid back raps on chill tracks then this probably isn't you steez but no major qualms otherwise. I could live without Wiz jumping on super pop tracks when he doesn't have a crossover flow yet. It just doesn't work. (see "We're Done")

The Verdict: Following Wiz's development, the level of his production versus the level of his rhymes have always been off but this mixtape you see them leveling out. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come from a rapper who I always felt was borderline dope.

[Download Kush & Orange Juice here]

INFO

Release date: April 14, 2010

The Deal: Los Angeles MC drops another album worthy mixtape after his last one went over 10,000 downloads in hours.

The Deal: Keg and blunt rap star drops first mixtape since debut album after weathering gay rumors and the usual online criticism.

The Good: Came out of the gates with "Muddy Swim Trunks" over a Madlib beat, managing to address and cleverly dispel the rumors of him being gay and also dropped 2 or 3 topical quotables in the process. Really enjoyed him flipping Talib Kweli's "Hot Thing" into "Hot Wings." The CA/PA collabo "Hellafaded" with Pac Div over Beanie Sigel's "Gotta Have It" is my early favorite but the remix of Sour Patch Kids off his debut with Talib Kweli and Blu are up there. "Fuck The Money" was on B.o.B's recent mixtape, nonetheless, it was heat as well.

A salivatingly dope list of producers. Sure, they're all other people's songs, and many of them aren't new but still, 9th Wonder, Kanye West, Jake One, Just Blaze, Pharrell and multiple J Dilla beats? That's a win.

The Bad: There's definitely some throwaway rhymes on this tape but not enough to stamp this one whack. Some listeners will get pissy it's mixed for continuous play/cassette style so you'll hear songs blend, scratch and crossover before the track itself changes.

The Verdict: Like it, don't love it. Asher Roth's fan/foe dynamic is crazy. There's either people who always check for him or people who completely ignore him, very little middle ground. This mixtape won't change that but for those of who like his flow, it's some carrot and celery sticks before the platter of his next record.

[Download Asher Roth's Seared Foie Gras with Quince and Cranberry]

INFO

Release date: March 23, 2010

The Deal: Indie rapper, producer combo release a follow up to 2008's acclaimed album, The In Crowd.

The Good: Double O produced or co-produced every track and really experimented with some of his beats. Much like their last album, there are some under the radar guest features, The Kid Daytona & Chip The Ripper, who should be hip-hop household names in the coming years. Really enjoyed the bulk of the album with "L_O_V_E", "Flickin'" and "Take Over The World" (co-produced by Just Blaze) really standing out to me. Don't sleep on "Fresh Academy" or "Bougie Girls" either.

The Bad: Not a whole lot. Wasn't feeling the Outkast on the "I Am (Reprise)" but even that wasn't major. Don't know how radio will receive "Jukebox" as a lead single but I love MC Lyte nonetheless.

The Verdict: Not nearly as young and upbeat as previous projects but definitely a solid step toward rap maturity. You see Naledge's flow get a bit older and Double O's beats leap forward, it kinda makes you hungry to hear more.

INFO

Duck Down Records; Release date: March 9, 2010

The Good: Fab holds on to his title as king of one-liners, I mean he was really consistent with the punchlines, finding about a dozen new ways to say he slayed someone... lyrically, of course. The piano and synth-heavy original tracks are cool but he shines over the familiar beats, so much so you'll wish he was on the official remixes. DJ Drama actually did more than loan his name to a mixtape, talking his usual shit.

The Bad: More than a little repetitive but the title and cover alone should've told you that. A few yawn-worthy guest appearances too.

The Verdict: Dope, free music. Everything you'd imagine.

Download here.

The Good: This is just straight up, good R&B. From the hooks to the melodies, even the sometimes cheesy, get in her draws lyrics, it all shapes up into a very well done album. "Nobody Wins A War" is a protest supertrack with big names, (Jill Scott, Chrisette Michele & Citizen Cope), North Carolina ties (Anthony Hamilton & Shelby Johnson) and even Chico DeBarge. It's what "We Are The World 25" should've been. "The Greatness" with Wale is a good DC collaboration. "B.O.B." will surely have guys actually named Bob ready to kick his ass. "Black & Blue" and "Mr. Right" are both worth multiple listens as well.

The Good: Jake One's production on this album is amazing. Simple, soulful and dope. Freeway's flow has developed from just a raw, lyrical assault to a controlled rage, calculated and deadly. There's plenty State Property guest appearances. Hearing Beanie Sigel, Young Chris & Omillio Sparks make you long for a State Prop 3 album or at least a posse record. "Sho'Nuff" with Bun B is the perfect North/South combo and even gives a nod to The Last Dragon in the title and chorus.

The Good: It took a media controversy for this dude to finally to step away from doing bubblegum shit. However, don't get it twisted. Most of this is still for young girls, but at least he can outright talk about sex, curse and be a more stereotypical R&B singer — we're too old for the innuendo. His "remixes" of Trey Songz hits are funny and "Sex" could actually be a really sold single.

The Good: Bobby Ray has the unique ability to sound completely different on every song but drop a line or two that let's you know, it's still him. Who else can give you a stereotypical, ATL "trap-rap" track next to a guitar-driven track, then sing, produce and switch up the flow. Clever one-liners throughout and a couple songs that could be singles too. "Fuck The Money" with Asher Roth, "The Rain," "Gladiators" with J Cole and "Out of Time" are tracks I really like, he even blew the dust of Charles Hamilton.

The Bad: Variety is awesome but at times it seems like Bob went out of his way to make sure no one could put him in a box. Extremely herky jerky.

The Verdict: Remember how early Kanye material was dope but kind of forced and all over the place? B.o.B. is a great talent, May 25th is good mixtape, but it suffers from the curse of creativity. Can't be all things to all people though, let's hope the actual album is in two lanes, not four.

The Deal: British pop/soul star returns with new album after personal tragedies.

The Good: There's something about pain that produces great things. Corinne somehow maintains her oft wispy, angelic tone when singing about much deeper topics. She shows a range that I can't remember hearing from her before and the accompanying production has songs building to levels that will surely bring down the house at a live show. Also some pop-py joints that are radio and romantic comedy ready, like "Paris Night, New York Mornings" will balance out the personal and introspective tunes that hit you right out of the gate.

The Bad: Some parts are pretty emotional, (understandably) be prepared. I also have to admit I don't always know what she's saying. Have to tune your ears for her whisper and accent.

The Verdict: If you're expecting the "old" Corinne Bailey Rae, that sings about putting her records on and the newness of love, this isn't that but it is a good album. Perfectly encapsulates her dealing with the sudden death of her husband and trying to move on from that as best she can. Not quite Sade but I feel like she's an album away from channeling that vibe.

INFO:

Virgin; Release date: Jan. 26, 2010